Amtrak begins $28 million upgrade on sleeper cars and coaches
In the last month, Amtrak has started rolling out new and improved comforts and features for its long-haul passenger rail cars. The $28 million upgrade project focuses on Amtrak's bi-level Superliner and single-story Viewliner fleets of rail cars used for overnight train routes.
Amtrak will improve more than 450 rail cars during the next three years through the project, starting with its Superliner fleet used for routes in the Midwest, South and West. Once these rail cars are refurbished, the company will turn its attention to the Viewliner sleeper cars used in the East and Southeast.
By the end of the project, every one of Amtrak's Superliner and Viewliner coaches, dining cars, sightseer lounges and sleeper cars will be refreshed.
What should travelers expect from this latest effort by Amtrak to upgrade the rider experience? Here's a look at what's coming to long-haul Amtrak routes.
New rail car features in rooms
Some Amtrak rail cars have not been updated since the 1990s — and it shows. As a result, Amtrak is making modernization a major focus of this fleet refresh.
New seat cushions and upholstery will be installed in rail cars, along with new carpeting, curtains, LED lighting and tables. Additionally, each private bedroom and roomette will feature new bedding, linens, pillows and towels, plus large updated toiletry dispensers full of body wash, conditioner, shampoo and soap. The latter is designed to help passengers freshen up throughout their overnight journeys in a more eco-friendly way.
“We are marking a new era in customer experience for our historic routes that serve the country with comfortable and affordable coach seating and private rooms,” Roger Harris, Amtrak's president, said in a statement. "These significant investments in the long-distance network lay the foundation for our next decades of service."
Related: Earn double points on Amtrak travel this fall
Dining upgrades and reimagined public spaces
Onboard accommodations are not the only areas of Amtrak's Superliner and Viewliner rail cars that are getting a refresh. In addition to the updated look of the viewing areas, Amtrak is upgrading each train's dining experience.
New seat cushions, rugs, curtains and cafe menus promise to brighten up the rail-riding experience. Overnight passengers can expect three-course dinners served with proper dinnerwear settings on white tablecloths in dining cars with comfortable seating. Kids menus as well as chef-prepared breakfasts and lunches will also be available.
"Amtrak is making many important investments to improve customer satisfaction, including restoring and reimagining our popular onboard dining experience with a service our customers will enjoy and our employees will be proud to offer,” Robert Jordan, Amtrak's vice president of operations and customer services, said in a statement.
Related: 14 of the most scenic train rides on earth
Bottom line
Amtrak's plan to upgrade rail cars on long-haul routes is just one part of the company's larger strategy to elevate train travel in the U.S.
In addition to beginning this Superliner and Viewliner refurbishment, Amtrak unveiled a new menu of food and beverage items in August for select trains with cafe cars; this includes those traveling throughout the Northeast Corridor.
Only time will tell whether these improvements truly resonate with passengers and make their journeys more comfortable and memorable.
For more TPG guides and news about Amtrak, check out:
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.